Display Device

ABSTRACT

A display device in which the current load of wirings are distributed and display variations due to voltage drop are suppressed. An active matrix display device of the invention comprises a first current input terminal, a second current input terminal, and a plurality of current supply lines extending parallel to each other. Each current supply line is connected to a plurality of driving transistors in a line. One end of each current supply line is connected to the first current input terminal via a first wiring intersecting with the current supply lines, and the other end thereof is connected to the second current input terminal via a second wiring intersecting with the current supply lines. Accordingly, a current is supplied to each current supply line from both the first and the second current input terminals. The first and the second current input terminals are provided separately from each other.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to an active matrix display device, and more particularly, relates to a wiring structure of an active matrix display device comprising a light emitting element.

2. Description of the Related Art

In recent years, a large sized electro luminescence (abbreviated as EL hereinafter) display device has been developed with a view to entry into the television market.

As the length of a wiring is increased with enlargement of a display device, voltage drop occurs. The voltage drop becomes a problem particularly in a current supply line for supplying a current to a light emitting element.

This is because the voltage drop causes display variations since a voltage applied to an EL element varies among each region.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides a display device in which display variations due to voltage drop are suppressed by distributing the current load of wirings.

A display device of the invention is an active matrix display device comprising a first current input terminal, a second current input terminal and a plurality of current supply lines which extend parallel to each other. Each of the current supply lines is connected to a plurality of driving transistors arranged in a line. One end of each of the current supply lines is connected to the first current input terminal via a first wiring which extends in a direction intersecting with the current supply lines. The other end of each of the current supply lines is connected to the second current input terminal via a second wiring which extends in a direction intersecting with the current supply lines. Accordingly, a current is supplied to each of the current supply lines from both the first current input terminal and the second current input terminal. It is to be noted that the first current input terminal and the second current terminal are provided separately from each other.

The current supply line in this specification is a wiring connected to a transistor (driving transistor) for supplying a current to a light emitting element in a light emitting display device in particular. Current supply to the light emitting element from the current supply line is controlled by turning the driving transistor ON or OFF.

Note that, the first wiring may be connected to a plurality of the first current input terminals. Similarly, the second wiring may be connected to a plurality of the second current input terminals.

According to the display device having the aforementioned structure, the current load can be distributed to a node between the first wiring and a wiring directly connected to the first current input terminal and to a node between the second wiring and a wiring directly connected to the second current input terminal, thereby suppressing voltage drop at the current supply lines.

A display device of the invention is an active matrix display device comprising a plurality of current supply lines which extend parallel to each other and a plurality wirings which extend in a direction intersecting with the current supply lines. The current supply lines are electrically connected to the wirings at each intersection of the current supply lines and the wirings. It is to be noted that the current supply lines and the wirings are formed on different layers with an insulating layer interposed therebetween. Further, a connecting portion provided in the insulating layer allows the current supply lines to be electrically connected to the wirings.

According to the display device having the aforementioned structure, a current can be supplied to each light emitting element via a plurality of current paths, thereby distributing the current load. As a result, voltage drop at a current supply line can be suppressed.

In the case of a display device comprising a plurality of light emitting elements which emit different color light, the aforementioned structure may be adopted for each group of current supply lines which supply a current to light emitting elements emitting the same color light.

Drop in voltage can be suppressed in such a manner, and thus a display device in which display variations due to voltage drop are suppressed can be achieved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are diagrams showing the invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing the invention.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a pixel portion of a display device according to the invention.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view of a pixel portion of the display device according to the invention.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view of a pixel portion of the display device according to the invention.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the display device using the invention.

FIGS. 9A to 9F are views showing electronic apparatuses using the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Embodiment Mode 1

An embodiment mode of the invention is described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

FIG. 1A is a pattern diagram showing current supply lines which are led out, among a plurality of wirings provided in the active matrix display device of the invention.

A pixel portion 71 formed on a substrate 70 comprises a plurality of pixels each having a switching transistor 82, a driving transistor 83 and a light emitting element 84 as shown in FIG. 1B. Further, reference numeral 81 denotes a source line and 76 denotes a current supply line in FIG. 1B. It is assumed in this embodiment mode that the light emitting element 84 in each pixel emits the same color light.

A plurality of current supply lines 76 a to 76 i provided on the substrate 70 extend in one direction and parallel to each other. The current supply lines 76 a to 76 i are connected to a wiring 85 which extends substantially perpendicular to the current supply lines 76 a to 76 i, and connected to a first current input terminal 72 or 74 via a node 77 or 79 which is provided at the ends of the wiring 85. It is to be noted that the first current input terminals 72 and 74 are provided separately from each other.

The opposite ends of the current supply lines 76 a to 76 i connected to the wiring 85 are connected to a wiring 86 which extends substantially perpendicular to the current supply lines 76 a to 76 i, and connected to a second current input terminal 73 or 75 via a node 78 or 80 which is provided at the ends of the wiring 86. It is to be noted that the second current input terminals 73 and 75 are provided separately from each other.

In the display device having the aforementioned structure, an electrical signal is transmitted to each of the current supply lines 76 a to 76 i from the first current input terminals 72 and 74 and the second current input terminals 73 and 75 which are provided separately from each other.

In such a manner, a current is inputted to a current supply line from first and second current input terminals provided separately. According to this, the current load of the nodes 77 and 79 are distributed to the nodes 78 and 80, and significant voltage drop can thus be prevented from occurring locally.

Although the display device of monochrome light emission is shown in this embodiment mode, the invention may be applied to a display device of three color emission of RGB. In the latter case, the structure shown in this embodiment mode may be adopted for each color emission. Further, a circuit configuration of the pixel portion for driving the light emitting element is not especially limited.

Embodiment Mode 2

An embodiment mode of the invention is described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3.

FIG. 2 is a pattern diagram showing current supply lines which are led out, among a plurality of wirings provided in the active matrix display device of the invention. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration of the pixel portion of the display device shown in FIG. 2.

In FIG. 2, a pixel portion 11 formed on a substrate 10 comprises current supply lines 12 a to 12 i arranged in columns. Wirings 13 a to 13 f are arranged so as to intersect with the current supply lines 12 a to 12 i arranged in columns, and the wirings 13 a to 13 f are connected to the current supply lines 12 a to 12 i at intersections of the wirings 13 a to 13 f and the current supply lines 12 a to 12 i. Further, the current supply lines 12 a to 12 i are connected to current input terminals 14.

In FIG. 3, the pixel portion 11 of the display device comprises a plurality of current supply lines 90 a to 90 i arranged in a longitudinal direction and a plurality of wirings 91 a to 91 c arranged in a lateral direction. An area surrounded by two longitudinally adjacent current supply lines and two laterally adjacent wirings corresponds to one pixel.

A pixel 92 comprises a switching transistor, a driving transistor and a light emitting element. The driving transistor provided in each pixel is connected to each of the current supply lines 90 a to 90 i. It is to be noted that all the light emitting elements emit the same color light in this embodiment mode.

Via the wirings 91 a to 91 c which extend substantially perpendicular to the current supply lines 90 a to 90 i, each of the current supply lines 90 a to 90 i is electrically connected to the adjacent current supply line, for example, such that the current supply lines 90 a and 90 b are connected to each other, the current supply lines 90 b and 90 c are connected each other, and the like.

As set forth above, the current supply lines are electrically connected to each other both in the longitudinal and the lateral directions per pixel. Therefore, the number of current paths is increased to distribute the current load, which prevents significant voltage drop from occurring locally.

Although the display device of monochrome light emission is shown in this embodiment mode, the invention may be applied to a display device of three color emission of RGB. In the latter case, the structure shown in this embodiment mode may be adopted for each color emission. Further, a circuit configuration of the pixel portion for driving the light emitting element is not especially limited.

The circuit configuration shown in this embodiment mode can be implemented in combination with that shown in Embodiment Mode 1 in order to still suppress the current load.

EMBODIMENT Embodiment 1

A display device using the invention is described with reference to FIGS. 4 to 7. Note that, the display device shown in this embodiment adopts the structures described in both Embodiment Modes 1 and 2. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration of a pixel portion of the display device according to this embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a top plan view showing a part of a pixel portion of the display device according to the invention. FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view taken by cutting along a line A-A′ of FIG. 4, whereas FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view taken by cutting along a line B-B′ of FIG. 4.

A display device of this embodiment comprises a plurality of pixels using as a unit light emitting elements each of which emits red, green or blue light. Each of the pixels comprises a driving transistor 22 for driving the light emitting element, a switching transistor 20, an erasing transistor 21, a current supply line 28, source lines 25 a and 25 b, a first scan line (erasing line) 23, and a second scan line (gate line) 24. In the display device, the pixels are arranged in matrix.

Electrodes 30 and 61 (61 a and 61 b) of a light emitting element are electrodes of a light emitting element which emits red light, electrodes 31 and 62 (62 a and 62 b) of a light emitting element are electrodes of a light emitting element which emits green light, and electrodes 32 and 63 (63 a and 63 b) of a light emitting element are electrodes of a light emitting element which emits blue light. An electrode 69 of a light emitting element is provided so as to face the electrodes 61, 62 and 63 of the light emitting elements with light emitting layers 66, 67 and 68 respectively interposed therebetween.

The light emitting element which emits red light is connected to a current supply line 28 via the driving transistor 22 b, the light emitting element which emits green light is connected to a current supply line 29 via the driving transistor 22 c, and the light emitting element which emits blue light is connected to current supply lines 60 a and 60 b via the driving transistor 22 a and 22 d, respectively. The current supply lines 28, 29, 60 a, and 60 b extend parallel to each other. The current supply lines 60 a and 60 b are provided in different pixels and electrically connected to each other via third wirings 57 (57 a and 57 b). It is to be noted that the current supply lines 60 a and 60 b, and the third wirings 57 (57 a and 57 b) are formed on different layers with first interlayer insulating layers 58 and 59 interposed therebetween, and electrically connected to each other via a connecting portion provided in the first interlayer insulating layers 58 and 59.

Via first wirings 55 (55 a and 55 b), the current supply line 28 is electrically connected to a current supply line which is included in a pixel unit laterally adjacent to a pixel unit including the current supply line 28 and which is connected to the light emitting element emitting red light via the driving transistor. Similarly, via second wirings 56 (56 a and 56 b), the current supply line 29 is electrically connected to a current supply line which is included in a pixel unit laterally adjacent to a pixel unit including the current supply line 29 and which is connected to the light emitting element emitting green light via the driving transistor.

Reference numeral 50 denotes a substrate, 52 denotes a semiconductor layer, 25 a, 25 b, 26, and 27 denote source lines, 23 denotes a first scan line, 24 denotes a second scan line, 53 denotes a gate insulating layer, and 64 and 65 denote banks.

In FIG. 7, current supply lines 101 a to 101 c, 102 a to 102 c and 103 a to 103 c intersect with wirings 110 a to 110 c, 111 a to 111 c and 112 a to 112 c. The current supply lines 101 a to 101 c are electrically connected to the wirings 110 a to 110 c, and 102 a to 102 c are electrically connected to 111 a to 111 c, further, 103 a to 103 c are electrically connected to 112 a to 112 c. Reference numerals 120 a to 120 c denote areas including light emitting elements which emit red light, 121 a to 121 c denote areas including light emitting elements which emit green light, and 122 a to 122 c denote areas including light emitting elements which emit blue light.

As set forth above, in the display device according to the invention, current supply lines which are connected to light emitting elements emitting the same color light (via a driving transistor) are electrically connected to each other both in the longitudinal and the lateral directions.

Therefore, the number of current paths through which a current from a current input terminal flows is increased, thereby distributing the current load. Further, significant voltage drop can be prevented from occurring locally.

Embodiment 2

A display device using the invention is described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9A to 9F.

As shown in FIG. 8, an active matrix display device comprises an external circuit 3004 and a panel 3010. The external circuit 3004 includes an A/D converter unit 3001, a power supply unit 3002 and a signal generation unit 3003. A video data signal inputted in an analog manner is converted to a digital signal in the A/D converter unit 3001, and supplied to a signal line driver circuit 3006. The power supply unit 3002 generates power having a desired voltage value from power of battery and outlet, and supplies the generated power to the signal line driver circuit 3006, a scan line driver circuit 3007, a light emitting element 3011, the signal generation unit 3003 and the like. The signal generation unit 3003 converts various inputted signals such as a power supply, a video signal and a synchronizing signal, as well as generating a clock signal and the like for driving the signal line driver circuit 3006 and the scan line driver circuit 3007.

Signals and power supplies from the external circuit 3004 are inputted to an internal circuit and the like via an FPC and an FPC connecting portion 3005 provided in the panel 3010.

A glass substrate 3008 is provided on the panel 3010, and on the glass substrate 3008, the FPC connecting portion 3005, the internal circuit and the light emitting element 3011 are formed. The internal circuit includes the signal line driver circuit 3006, the scan line driver circuit 3007 and a pixel portion 3009. The pixel configuration described in Embodiment Mode 1 is adopted as an example in FIG. 8, however, any one of the pixel configurations described in embodiment modes of the invention can be applied to the pixel portion 3009.

The pixel portion 3009 is arranged at the center of the substrate 3008, and the signal line driver circuit 3006 and the scan line driver circuit 3007 are arranged at the periphery thereof. The light emitting element 3011 and a counter electrode of the light emitting element 3011 are formed over the whole surface of the pixel portion 3009.

FIGS. 9A to 9F show examples of electronic apparatuses including the display device shown in FIG. 8.

FIG. 9A shows a display device which includes a housing 5501, a supporting base 5502, a display portion 5503 and the like. The display device of the invention can be applied to the display portion 5503.

FIG. 9B shows a video camera which includes a main body 5511, a display portion 5512, an audio input portion 5513, operating switches 5514, a battery 5515, an image receiving portion 5516 and the like.

FIG. 9C shows a notebook personal computer using the invention, which includes a main body 5521, a housing 5522, a display portion 5523, a keyboard 5524 and the like.

FIG. 9D shows a portable information terminal (PDA) using the invention, which includes a main body 5531 having a display portion 5533, an external interface 5535, operating switches 5534 and the like. Further, a stylus 5532 is provided as an attachment for operation.

FIG. 9E shows a digital camera which includes a main body 5551, a display portion A 5552, an eye contacting portion 5553, operating switches 5554, a display portion B 5555, a battery 5556 and the like.

FIG. 9F shows a mobile phone using the invention, which includes a main body 5561 having a display portion 5564, an audio output portion 5562, operating switches 5565, an antenna 5566 and the like.

According to the display device described above, display variations due to voltage drop are suppressed, leading to improved image quality. Further, image quality of electronic apparatuses including such a display device can also be enhanced.

According to the invention, the current load of wirings for transmitting an electrical signal to each pixel of a display device can be distributed, thereby preventing significant voltage drop from occurring locally. Further, display variations due to voltage drop are suppressed.

This application is based on Japanese Patent Application serial no. 2003-170090 filed in Japan Patent Office on 13th, Jun., 2003, the contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

Although the present invention has been fully described by way of Embodiment Modes and Embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is to be understood that various changes and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Therefore, unless such changes and modifications depart from the scope of the present invention hereinafter defined, they should be constructed as being included therein. 

1-6. (canceled)
 7. A display device comprising: a pixel portion; a plurality of current supply lines which extend parallel to each other in the pixel portion; and a plurality of wirings in the pixel portion, extending in a direction intersecting with the plurality of current supply lines, electrically connected to the plurality of current supply lines, wherein the plurality of wirings are electrically connected to at least one current input terminal.
 8. The display device according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of wirings are electrically connected to a plurality of current input terminals, and wherein at least two of the plurality of current input terminals are disposed at an opposite side of the pixel portion.
 9. The display device according to claim 7, wherein a driving transistor is connected to the plurality of current supply lines in the pixel unit, and wherein a light emitting element is connected to the driving transistor.
 10. The display device according to claim 9, wherein a switching transistor is connected to the driving transistor, which controls the driving transistor.
 11. A display device comprising: a pixel portion; a plurality of current supply lines which extend parallel to each other in the pixel portion; a plurality of first wirings in the pixel portion, extending in a direction intersecting with the plurality of current supply lines, electrically connected to the plurality of current supply lines; a second wiring disposed outside of the pixel portion, the second wiring extending parallel to the plurality of first wirings, wherein one end of each of the plurality of current supply lines is connected to the second wiring.
 12. The display device according to claim 11, wherein the plurality of first wirings are electrically connected to a plurality of current input terminals, and wherein at least two of the plurality of current input terminals are disposed at an opposite side of the pixel portion.
 13. The display device according to claim 11, wherein a driving transistor is connected to the plurality of current supply lines in the pixel unit, and wherein a light emitting element is connected to the driving transistor.
 14. The display device according to claim 13, wherein a switching transistor is connected to the driving transistor, which controls the driving transistor.
 15. A display device comprising: a pixel portion; a plurality of current supply lines which extend parallel to each other in the pixel portion; and a plurality of wirings in the pixel portion, extending in a direction intersecting with the plurality of current supply lines, electrically connected to the plurality of current supply lines, wherein the plurality of current supply lines and the plurality of wirings are formed of the same material.
 16. The display device according to claim 15, wherein the plurality of wirings are electrically connected to a plurality of current input terminals, and wherein at least two of the plurality of current input terminals are disposed at an opposite side of the pixel portion.
 17. The display device according to claim 15, wherein a driving transistor is connected to the plurality of current supply lines in the pixel unit, and wherein a light emitting element is connected to the driving transistor.
 18. The display device according to claim 17, wherein a switching transistor is connected to the driving transistor, which controls the driving transistor. 